Crestwood Country Day Camp Blog & News
Published on: 02/26/26 9:41 AM
Published on: 02/26/26 9:41 AM
The recognition of Crestwood Day Camp as the SCOPE 2026 Philanthropic Camp of the Year is a tremendous honor for our community. We are humbled by this recognition and incredibly proud of our administrative team, parents, campers, and alumni whose passion has brought the power of the camp experience to so many children through a partnership with SCOPE.
For those who don’t know, SCOPE is a nonprofit, funder of overnight summer camp and college scholarships, that creates pathways to potential through camp, classroom, college, and career for children from under-resourced communities who commit to staying in school. Their goal is to provide all children with access to the safe, supportive environment of overnight summer camp to learn, discover, and grow to their full potential.
we invite you to help us celebrate in one or more of the following ways:
- Purchase Camp it Forward Raffle Tickets for $100 each for a chance to win back your camp tuition. (If you are a Crestwood Alumni Family and you win this raffle, you will get the equivalent of a Crestwood tuition applied to the Sleepaway Camp that your child attends.)
- Join us in person or become a sponsor of the Scope Benefit on April 15, 2026 in New York City
- Donate in Crestwood‘s honor by contributing a Gift in Kind for the evenings festivities
We generally have our community buy about 200 tickets to Camp it Forward and we hope to do the same if not more this year. Please help us give the gift of camp to so many children that will be impacted.
Thank you once again for your support of this great program. Yes we will remind you many times, but this is a very worthwhile cause to say the least.
From the whole Crestwood family – we appreciate our entire community!
Mark T and Mark H
Camp Southwoods Open House at Crestwood
Published on: 02/12/26 1:45 PM
NEW DATE! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28th
We are excited to introduce you to our beautiful sleep-away camp in the Adirondacks-
Crestwood Owners/Directors, Mark T & Mark H, would like
to invite you for an Open House & Information Session with
the Camp Southwoods Directors, Carl & Maddie Acosta.
Discounts Available For Past or Present Crestwood Families – See Below.
Non-Crestwood families who attend will be eligible to receive a
$250 voucher that they can apply to any Southwood session of their choice
WHERE: Crestwood Day Camp – 313 Round Swamp Rd. Melville
WHAT: Brief Presentation plus Q&A Sessions
Crestwood Day Camp Tours will also be available
- 25% Southwoods Discount to current and former Crestwood families who enroll in any Camp Southwoods session for rising 2nd – 4th graders
- 10% Southwoods Discount for rising 5th graders and up
- Non-Crestwood families who attend will be eligible to receive a
$250 voucher that they can apply to any Southwood session of their choice
RSVP Requested – click here to RSVP
For more information about Camp Southwoods and to watch our video please click here.
Snow Much Fun! Holiday Crafts to Keep Kids Busy All Winter Break
Published on: 12/23/25 12:01 PM
The holiday break is almost here! We are sure everyone is excited to spend some quality time with their family and enjoy this holiday season, which is why Crestwood has prepared some fun and engaging activities.
Miss Kim, one of Crestwood’s preschool teacher and division head, has prepared three step-by step crafts perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy. Follow along with her to see how to make a popsicle stick snowflake that will be sure to last with you for years to come!
These easy, yet creative, crafts and activities are a perfect way for your little ones to stay busy this holiday brea
1. Popsicle Stick Snowflake Craft
This craft is perfect for any child to create a fun wall decoration or tree ornaments!
What You’ll Need
- Popsicle Sticks
- Glue
- String
- Pom Poms, Beads, or Buttons
Step-By-Step
- Put a dot of glue on the center of each popsicle stick
- Put the popsicle sticks together, with them meeting at the center
- Place dots of glue on where you want your decorations to go
- Place your desired decorations (pom poms, buttons, or beads) over the dots of glue
- Cut a piece of string and tie the ends together
- Glue the piece of string on the top of the popsicle sticks
2. Paper Plate Snow Buddy
This easy snowman craft is both fun and encourages kids fine motor skills!
What You’ll Need
- Paper plates
- Glue
- Cotton balls
- Crayons or markers
- Optional: Colored paper and googlie Eyes
Step-By-Step
- Place a paper plate in front of your child.
- Help them squeeze glue onto different areas of the plate.
- Stick cotton balls onto the glue to make “snow.”
- Use crayons or markers to draw a face
- Use any additional supplies to add to the decorations!
3. Hand Print Winter Mitten
This fun hand painting craft is a great keepsake for your child and a fun way to honor the winter season.
What You’ll Need
- Construction paper
- Washable paint
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Glue
- Paper towels
Step-By-Step
- Paint your child’s hand using a brush or sponge.
- Press their hand onto construction paper to make a mitten shape.
- Let the handprint dry completely.
- Cut out the mitten shape (adult help).
- Decorate with crayons or stickers.
These activities create new and fun ways for your children to enjoy their break home from school this holiday season! In addition, it is another great way to see your child’s creativity, fun, and imagination shine through! We can not wait to see all the masterpieces our Crestwood kids will create!
Crestwood School Open House
Published on: 12/19/25 2:09 PM
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
9:30am -11:30am
Come see our classes in session!
~Toddler, Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten classes
~Meet our school Administrators
~Meet our Certified Teachers
~See our Spectacular Classrooms
~Learn about our advanced curriculum
~Receive a Personal School & Camp Tour
~Early Bird Rate for school still available for any new families who attend our Open House
Please Call 631-692-6361 to RSVP for the Open House
Still enrolling for summer 2026, please call the office or click here to schedule a tour.
The Ultimate Checklist: How to Choose The Right Camp For Your Child
Finding the right camp for your child can feel like a big decision. After all, camp is more than just your place for the summer-it is where you build community, make friends, and grow confidence. You ask anyone who went to summer camp as a child about their favorite memory, and I’m sure they’ll have more than one that immediately comes to mind. However, a big decision doesn’t have to be a difficult one. Here is a helpful guide to help you know which is the right fit for you and your family.
1. A Safe and Supportive Environment
Every parent’s first priority is making sure their child is somewhere that they feel safe physically, mentally, and emotionally. Finding a camp that prioritizes staff training, retention, and thorough hiring practices is an important step in deciding if a camp is a good place for your child to feel- and be- safe.
It is important to choose a camp where the staff make an effort to connect with your child, and ensure your child’s best interest each and every day. Having staff members that make children feel comfortable is key to ensuring a fun and successful summer. In a study by the American Camp Association, children were believed to be more socially comfortable at camp compared to school. The conducted study showed a significant increase in social comfort in the six months after camp ended and parents even showed a significant increase in reporting their children’s social comfortability (ACA 2005). The positive impacts from going to camp, allowing children to thrive in a safe and secure environment, will stay with them and help them to grow for their future.
2. A Wide Range of Activities
It is important for children to be out participating in physical activities each and everyday. Having children participate in physical activity is important to their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development (Pediatric Association of Austin 2025). Which is why the right camp should provide a variety of activities for campers to participate in, including different kinds of physical activities. There is nothing better than being able to go out and play tennis with friends, cool down and swim in the pool, or get to learn new skills in soccer. Having fun while taking part in physical activities is not only a great way for campers to have fun, but also beneficial to their development.
Additionally, it is important to note that every child is different and they deserve to be at a camp that celebrates these differences. When exploring all your camp options, it is important to keep in mind your child’s individual needs, interests, and personality. Which is why camps should offer activities that cater to each child’s unique interests, which may include drama, the arts, or STEM. There should be opportunities to explore areas of creativity, athletics, aquatics, adventure, and more at camp.
3. The Camp Facilities
It is important for camp to be more than just the picturesque backdrop to photos, but a place that feels like home to so many campers. Being at a camp with a large, beautiful, outdoor space that is in nature is not only beautiful but can be beneficial to children. While it’s unclear how nature improves cognitive and intrapersonal functioning, there are things that are known to help children develop. According to the Child Mind Institute, spending time outdoors has shown to help children build confidence, decrease stress and fatigue, and promote creativity (Cohen 2024). These are skills that not only help them during the summer months, but continue to benefit children into the school year.
It is also important, however, for a camp to offer spaces to escape the dog days of August or the dreaded four letter word- Rain. Consider finding a camp that has indoor facilities that cater to indoor activities for children- things like STEM, cooking, and even a big indoor gym could be great benefits to a camp (and a big bonus if those facilities have air conditioning!).
Only you know what it is that will make you feel “at home”, so as you’re camp shopping ask yourself- Can I see my child here? Can I see them running across the soccer field, laughing with friends? Can I see them sitting in the amphitheater, singing songs, and chanting for their color war team? Can I see them taking a plunge into the deep end of the pool to pass their deep water test? If the answer is yes, it looks like you found your summer home!
Finding The Perfect Fit
Picking the “perfect” camp can feel overwhelming, but what matters most is finding a place where your child is happy. Once you visit Crestwood, you will see first hand why so many families continue to choose it every year. From our incredible staff, to beautiful campgrounds, Crestwood is a place where your child can truly grow. If you want to see if Crestwood checks all of your boxes, give us a call at 631-692-6361.
American Camp Association. “Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience.” Philliber Research Associates, American Camp Association, 2005. https://www.acacamps.org/sites/default/files/resource_library/report-directions-youth-development-outcomes.pdf.
Pediatric Association of Austin. “The Importance of Physical Activity in Child Development.” Pediatric Association of Austin, 2025. https://www.pediatricassociates.net/blog/physical-activity-in-child-development
Cohen, Danielle. “Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature.” Child Mind Institute, 13 November 2024. https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/
Teen Travel & Teen Adventure 2026 Tentative Calendars
Published on: 08/22/25 6:17 PM
Click the images below to see the full tentative 2026 Calendars.
Clothing and Family Fun Day
Published on: 06/24/25 4:01 PM
Saturday, June 28th from 10 AM to 3 PM
CLOTHING & FAMILY FUN DAY is our in-person Camper/Parent Orientation that will take place on Saturday, June 28th from 10 AM to 3 PM. Arrive anytime you like and stay as long as you like. This special day is an opportunity for families to visit CRESTWOOD, familiarize themselves with their child’s Group Leader and bunk, drop off recommended clothing for use during the summer, meet key members of the CRESTWOOD team and generally enjoy the grounds and facilities (pools will NOT be open). It is a time when your child can familiarize themselves with their surroundings for the perfect adjustment. Some activities include Sports, Playgrounds, Arts & Crafts and more.
Parking for Clothing & Family Fun Day: There is some parking at Crestwood, however, our Crestwood lot will not be able to accommodate all the cars on Family Fun Day. Additional parking and shuttle buses will be available about ½ mile south of Crestwood on the corner of Old Country Road and S. Service Road. The address for your GPS is 48 S. Service Road Melville – Park in the Rear Lot of the building. We will have staff in that lot to guide you.
Clothing and Personal Items:
We ask that you provide the following extra clothes in a closed bag to be stored at camp:
- three bathing suits
- one sweatshirt
- one extra t-shirt
- one pair of shorts
- one pair of jeans/sweatpants
- one pair of socks and underwear
- sunscreen – we recommend Spray sunscreen and Face stick over lotions.
- inexpensive raincoat
- For preschool age campers please also provide diapers and swim diapers if needed.
Crestwood will provide all towels for swim. Towels from home may not be brought to camp.
Crestwood Camp Store! Order by 6/2 to Get Your Swag Before Camp Starts!
Published on: 05/22/25 6:04 PM
We are excited to offer you our Crestwood store of the cutest and coolest fashions for the Summer. Show your green and white pride on the camp grounds or around town, be prepared for spirit day or maybe you just need a few new things in your closet from Spring shopping… and what’s better than some Crestwood gear?
Click here and shop while it gets mailed directly to you, doesn’t get much easier!
Our Special Events Calendar!
Children look forward to our special events all year. Every year new and exciting special events are mixed with popular Crestwood favorites to create a summer calendar filled with fun, adventure, and spirit. Your child will come home every day eager to tell you about the fun they had and excited about what awaits them tomorrow.
This summer, campers can look forward to the Water Carnival, the K-Cup Tournament, Crestwood Games (our Color War), Dress-Up Days, Group Talent Shows, Camper Disco, and of course the Crestwood Carnival. Many more camp-wide and divisional events plus surprises are in store for your children this summer. Our Division Heads and Group Leaders will keep you up to date all summer about which events are for your child’s age group and what’s coming up next.
